Caris LeVert to return to practice, questionable at Purdue

Michigan head coach John Beilein addressed Caris LeVert’s injury status on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Thursday’s critical road test at Purdue. LeVert is expected to attempt to practice today and he’ll play at Purdue if he’s able to practice pain free.

Michigan head coach John Beilein addressed Caris LeVert’s injury status on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Thursday’s critical road test at Purdue. LeVert is expected to attempt to practice today and he’ll play at Purdue if he’s able to practice pain free.

“He’s been trying to do different things,” Beilein said. “Caris will be out there in practice today, and we’ll see how he does. If he is not able to do it without pain, he will not play. If he plays without pain, he’ll be in there.”

Beilein noted that LeVert will continue to try in practices until he’s healthy, including Thursday’s pregame shootaround in West Lafayette, and said that he will warm up tomorrow and see how he feels before a decision is made.

The coach also noted that the magnitude of the game is irrelevant to the decision, but LeVert’s presence is invaluable.

“If we’re playing any team in the country, Caris makes a huge difference for us. But if he’s not able to play, we’ve got to find other ways.”

LeVert injured his lower left leg late in the game at Illinois when he appeared to step on an Illinois player’s foot. LeVert remained in the game at Illinois, but sat out Michigan’s win over Penn State on Saturday afternoon in street clothes.

On Monday’s Big Ten teleconference, Beilein admitted that the Wolverines were being cautious and said that LeVert would play when there was no more pain.

“Pain will be our guide, and right now he’s still in some slight pain,” Beilein said. “That’s all we’ll do, he’ll still be day-to-day moving forward. I can’t be any more specific than that for anyone that’s waiting, so I’ll get it out there and we’ll see.”

LeVert underwent surgery on his left foot in spring of 2014 and winter of 2015 to repair fractures. The 6-foot-6 senior is an All-American candidate and leads Michigan in scoring (17.6 points), rebounding (5.4) and assists (5.2).